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GOVERNMENT: ‘Neglected’ Calgary has three voices in Stelmach Cabinet

            (AlbertaIndex, June 22, Friday) --- Following his party’s embarrassing defeat in a crucial by-election in Calgary on June 12, Premier Ed Stelmach has announced the appointment of three MLAs from the city to the provincial cabinet.

            Ron Stevens, MLA for Calgary-Glenmore, has been named the Deputy Premier and Minister of Justice and Attorney General, while Yvonne Fritz, MLA for Calgary-Cross, is Associate Minister of Affordable Housing and Urban Development and Cindy Ady, MLA for Calgary-Shaw, is Associate Minister of Tourism Promotion with responsibility for Alberta’s participation in activities pertaining to the 2010 Olympics in British Columbia.
           
Gene Zwozdesky, MLA for Edmonton-Mill Creek, has been appointed Associate Minister for Capital Planning.
            “I have listened to concerns about adding voices from urban Alberta and I’m taking action,” said Premier Stelmach. “Both Cabinet workload and the responsibility to communicate with all Albertans are better balanced with these adjustments.”
            Since taking office, the Premier has come under growing criticism for leaving Calgary without representation in his Cabinet. Accusations by Calgary mayor Dave Bronconnier that the six-month-old government is neglecting the city’s welfare and failing to fulfil crucial promises also hurt Stelmach’s popularity.
            The pressure was forcefully brought home two weeks ago when voters handed former Premier Ralph Klein’s long held safe seat in Calgary-Elbow to the Liberals.
            “The first few months of a new government are always a learning process, and we’ve listened and learned,” said a chastened Stelmach. “I’m confident these moves will encourage Albertans to come together to meet the challenges we face, and to grasp the unique opportunity we have to secure Alberta’s future prosperity and quality of life.”
            A swearing in ceremony presided over by Lt. Governor Norman Kwong will be held at the McDougall Centre in Calgary on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 27.

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